Genc's research addresses a critical gap in how we approach coastal adaptation investments. While traditional damage assessments focus on economic losses and physical infrastructure, his work examines how natural hazards disrupt access to essential services like healthcare, education, and emergency response– particularly in rural communities where alternatives are limited or nonexistent. His findings reveal that rural areas face heightened vulnerability not just from the natural hazards themselves but from the cascading effects when critical services become inaccessible and no backup options exist.

 

The policy implications of Genc's research offer concrete guidance for decision-makers. His analysis shows that building redundancy in access to emergency services can significantly enhance community resilience. This is especially relevant for rural areas where essential services are increasingly closing due to decreased demand, leaving communities with fewer alternatives when disasters strike. His work suggests that even when stakeholders disagree on which assets are most critical to communities, they can still find common ground on the right course of preventative action.

 

Working under the mentorship of Ravi and Eleanor Talwar Rising Star Associate Professor David R. Johnson, Genc's research integrates industrial engineering principles with community-centered approaches to develop data-driven tools for equitable climate adaptation. His broader research portfolio includes work on transportation networks, risk modeling, and rebound effects in climate policy, all with a focus on protecting vulnerable populations. This interdisciplinary approach reflects the Environmental Decision-Making Lab's commitment to research that addresses both technical challenges and social equity.